The Research Group for Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics conducts teaching and research across a broad range of topics related to engineering geology for rock and soil, rock mechanics, and hydrogeology.

Engineering geology for rock focuses on investigation, design, stability analysis, and construction aspects of underground structures, such as road and railway tunnels, hydropower facilities, and rock caverns for various uses (e.g., hydrogen storage, drinking water reservoirs, cold storage, sports halls, and more). In rock mechanics, we study the material properties of rocks and rock masses, the mechanics of rock mass responses related to fracturing, and the development of methods for rock reinforcement and anchoring large structures.

In engineering geology for soils, we map and assess soil conditions, including quick clay, landslides, floods, and contaminated soils. Our hydrogeological research focuses on the use of groundwater for heating and cooling purposes. We also conduct research on slope stability in both rock and soil. The group has strong expertise in numerical modeling, with increasing use of machine learning techniques.

Group members 

Professor Charlie C. Li 

Professor Krishna K. Panthi 

Professor Alexandre Lavrov

Professor Ola Fredin 

Professor Kristin Hilde Holmøy